Why Do I Ask Questions At the End of My Posts?

The short answer to why usually I ask questions at the end of my posts is that I read somewhere that it was a good thing for bloggers to do to get readers to engage.

The long answer is a little more complicated.

It is true that I’ve read that bloggers should ask thought-provoking questions to hook their readers. But I usually ask the questions at the end of my posts. My purpose is less to hook my readers than to get you thinking.

Why do I want to get you thinking? Well, I hope that this blog provokes some dialogue and that it isn’t purely entertainment.

The stated theme of this blog is “One writer’s journey through life and time”—a pretty broad theme, but it describes a journey I want to take my readers on with me.

Sometimes my journey is through history. I give my thoughts on how the past impacts the present (and future), and I want you to consider these things as well.

Sometimes my journey is through my own and my family’s lives. Readers have their own family histories that impact who they are. I hope my questions help you reflect on the joys and sorrows of your own past and how those who have touched your life have influenced you.

My journal

Sometimes my journey is into myself. I ask myself questions all the time in my journal. I don’t always answer them, but the questions indicate what’s troubling me at that point in time. When I find myself asking the same questions over and over, it means I need to change something, to work on that area of my life. I’ve made many changes as a result of these questions over the almost thirteen years that I’ve been journaling. (Yikes! That’s the time a kid goes from kindergarten to college—I hope I’ve made some changes!)

So some of my questions are intended to help readers explore their own lives as well.

Do you find yourself pondering the questions I ask after you read? If not, how can I make this blog more meaningful to you?

It’s an interesting turn your writing has taken lately. It seems more fluid, more personal. The history pieces are interesting, but this glimpse into your person is even more interesting. For me, the questions are less interesting or important than the writing. And I do think about what you’ve written. I just don’t think about the questions. I wonder if framing the questions in a different way would be more interesting for you and for your readers. For example, a question beginning with “do” presupposes an answer while “I wonder if…” opens to wondering; “is there a way that…” might also make the question more open to pondering.

Then again, it’s also possible that none of us have much time for pondering!! You might want to sign up for one of the WordPress Blogging U courses. They are interesting, people give a lot of critical thinking feedback, and you’ll pick up new readers for your blog.

Janet,
You’re right — this time of year no one has time to ponder. Despite your very good posts on the meaning of Advent. Which is a time to ponder.
I’ll look into the WordPress courses, but at the moment my novels are demanding more of me thank I have time to give.
Thanks. Theresa

I guess it depends on the questioned asked whether I ponder it or not. I enjoy your blog very much Theresa. I especially enjoy the posts about stories from your past and family. Your photos are always a nice touch as well.

For me, some questions beg a response on my part and other questions do not but they garner a response from others. You can’t possibly address all the interests of all of us. Keep it up, I think you’re doing a great job.